An efficient asymmetric aldol reaction of Chan's diene promoted by chiral Ti(IV)-BINOL complex

1.3-Bis-(trimethylsilyloxy)-1-methoxy-buta-1,3-diene (Chan's diene) can be conveniently used in asymmetric aldol reaction with aromatic, heteroaromatic, alpha,beta -unsaturated and aliphatic aldehydes in the presence of catalytic amounts (2-8% mol) of chiral Ti(IV)/(R)-BINOL complex. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.